When you are pregnant, you will get tons of advice
everywhere. From your gynecologist to the moms you know, everyone seems to be
keen to share some recommendations. The internet is also a source of endless
guidance. Despite having the best intentions and taking all precautions, you may
encounter risks and complications during pregnancy.
Pregnancy complications are more common than you can
imagine. Around 8% of pregnancies have complications that may harm the baby or
mother if left untreated. The most
common ones include amniotic fluid issues, bleeding, preeclampsia, gestational
diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage or fetal loss.
Unfortunately, statistics also show that American women are
the most likely to die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications.
While these stats and facts sound scary, the good news is that most risks and
complications are avoidable. All you need to get through pregnancy safely is to
follow the basics of maternal well-being, take a few precautions, and avoid
potential threats.
Here are a few valuable tips for pregnant women to address
avoidable risks and complications:
Know the Unexpected Culprits
Pregnant women often know about the common dos and don'ts of
pregnancy. You will probably know the foods to avoid, ditch smoking and
alcohol, steer clear of overexertion, and give up on your stilettos to stay
safe. But there are a few unexpected culprits you may not be aware of. Let us
share a few:
Tylenol and OTC Painkillers
Did you know that over-the-counter painkillers can harm an
unborn fetus? Tylenol use during pregnancy is particularly under the radar
after recent studies have emerged linking it to the risk of autism and
ADHD.
A victim whose baby has suffered the complication can file a
Tylenol lawsuit against the manufacturer to claim compensation for not warning
about the risk of the medication during pregnancy.
TorHoerman Law suggests that victims should dig deep into
the law to ensure eligibility before filing a lawsuit against Tylenol
manufacturers. Legal action can ensure adequate compensation, provided there is
a link between the baby's developmental delays and Tylenol usage by the mother
during pregnancy.
Wet Paint
Did you know that painting the nursery to welcome your
bundle of joy can complicate your pregnancy? Paint toxicity depends on the
chemicals and solvents in the product. You must avoid paints containing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and opt for a safer version. Skipping a paint
project altogether is an even better idea. You can also stay at a friend's
place or rent a hotel room until your partner or a professional does the job.
Caffeine
If you are a coffee addict, consider taking it easy during
pregnancy. Studies show that even moderate intake may lead to a smaller birth
size of the baby. Since coffee is a stimulant and a diuretic, it elevates the
heart rate and blood pressure. You may end up losing your sleep and taking more
trips to the restroom. Besides avoiding tea and coffee, minimize the intake of
sodas and chocolates.
Chemical cleaners, second-hand smoke, outdoor pollutants,
and kitty litter are other things you should avoid to ensure a safe and healthy
pregnancy.
Be Regular With Your Appointments
Being regular with routine gynecologist visits throughout
the pregnancy is another way to limit the avoidable risks and complications.
Your physician monitors and tracks the baby's health, heartbeat, and growth.
They also keep a tab on your health, making it possible to detect and address anomalies
at the earliest.
Attending all the appointments is even more crucial if you
have a high-risk pregnancy due to factors like age and medical complications. You can
consult a specialist and get prenatal tests to stay ahead of potential threats.
Taking your appointments seriously and showing up can be life-saving in the
long run.
Maintain an Optimal Weight
Studies link obesity and high gestational weight gain with
pregnancy complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. It
can also affect fetal health and increase the chances of C-section delivery.
Maintaining an optimal weight can save you and your baby from unexpected risks.
Follow healthy diet recommendations to ensure optimal weight
gain. Avoid overeating and loading up on sugary foods. Being underweight is also a significant risk, so ensure eating enough for a
healthy pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend light and regular exercise for
weight management.
Summing Up
Some risks and complications are unavoidable for pregnant
women, but most can be managed with proactive measures and timely action.
Besides the basic rules and precautions, follow these simple tips to ditch the
threats and cruise through a healthy pregnancy. Most importantly, follow the
doctor's orders from start to end.
Share:
